What is that rooftop rack as well as that rear hitch rack??? links please!!!

I have lots of experience with suv camping. My two take aways from this video. First thank you for not promoting some ridiculously high sleeping platform. Second when starting out over pack but if you aren't using something on a regular basis leave it at home. It is possible to take to much with you.

Sir, thank you for the best SUV conversion video. As an ex-paramedic, I truly appreciate how you stressed having a cargo net and securing all objects. If people could ride around in an ambulance for just a week, they'd do this automatically. And thank you for the great video, as I want to convert my Durango. I look forward to seeing more.

The most useful and informative 8 minutes for anyone wanting to do some SUV camping. Thank you!

I do believe you just changed my mind on the whole platform. I’d been back and forth over design, widths, heights, materials & building. Thanks for opening my eyes

Wow... My mind is blown... I am 1 week from this crazy 5000 dollar build in a sub, because I've been watching those same vids... Not now, not now... Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom

Having an older model suburban or yukon xl like this one is a huge key to success! Incredibly spacious, fold flat seats, powerful engine, good offroad capabilities, readily available spare parts, and likely a great purchase price from the start! Love these... 2002-2014 are ideal!

One of the most informative setup videos for car campers that I've seen. You are absolutely right people get caught up in the platform build and forget the room that could be saved by sleeping on the platform the vehicle builder has already provided the floor. Great vid!

Yep, you are exactly right! I screwed around with a wood build in my car for two years and honestly it was the biggest pain in the ass. Had to keep doing things to maintain it etc. it was heavy, and actually pretty impractical. I finally got fed up and tore all that shit out and just did a simple build exactly like yours. So much easier so much more comfortable and everything is much more accessible. My SUV literally flies down the freeway now without all that weight. Wish I had done it two years ago! Regarding the headspace, that is truly so incredibly important. What a pain in the ass it is to not be able to sit up and move around, especially when it’s really warm you feel like you were in a heat box. So much nicer to have more airflow more room to set up and get dressed, etc. All those KZfaq wood builds do look really cool, but anyone can have it so much better and more simple by following this video.

I built a platform 6 inches tall and only on one side of my suburban because the floor contained raised attachment points for the third seat that would have been very uncomfortable to sleep on. I store things I don't use regularly under the platform such as tools, air pump, etc. I still have plenty of room to sit up without my head touching. Since I'm the only one sleeping in it, there was no need to cover the entire back with the platform. This allows me to sit on the platform with my feet on the lower side as if it is a couch and is rather comfortable. Works great for me!

FINALLY a damn good video of information and no fluff. Fast info. No sponsor bullshit. Im immediately subscribed and willing to pay you for your time if you keep videos like this.

Several months ago when I first looked into SUV camping, your videos were some of the first I watched. I then decided to look into buying a teardrop camper trailer and building a DIY platform. As I am sure you know, there are several cons with these camping options and it still goes back to what you say which is you lose headroom with a DIY platform. Also, if you buy a teardrop camper you deal with all of the hassles costs of hauling, parking and storing a teardrop camper. So, thank you for your videos because I think your methods of SUV including mini-van camping is the smartest. Just have a big enough vehicle, pack your stuff and go camping! I was a Boy Scout, so I too pack you do with the motto of always, "Be Prepared" in mind.

Great video! I really appreciate the focus on safety and prevention of loose items that can become "missiles" if you have to stop quickly. I met a family whilst working at a counseling center that experienced the worst imaginable cargo shift projectile missiles when a forced sudden stop vaulted a sewing machine from the back hitting the mother in the back of the head, she died instantly, several children also injured... ALWAYS secure everything that can "move" during a sudden stop!!

Different strokes for different folks, I think. If it works for you, great. Others seem extremely happy with building out the interior of their SUV. Maybe they're willing to sacrifice some storage space (the loss of which I think can be minimizes) for having a permanent layout. To minimize the hassle for frequent camping, this system seems awesome. For being permanently on the road, I wouldn't prefer it. Some people don't want an RV, due to expense and accessibility issues. An SUV can take you places an RV cannot. All that said, I like the video. I was sucked into watching several 😅. Lots of food for thought.

I agree with your perspective on how a platform bed can be more of a pain than a benefit. I have an old 4-runner, and built a platform bed. There are a lot of benefits to the drawer system, but after a couple years of use it was honestly nice to not have it. The headspace when sleeping is just too good, especially when the back of my SUV is much smaller than yours. Once I got rid of my platform bed the amount of gear I brought didnt significantly change, and really I ended up with a setup similar to what my grandpa takes when we go hunting. Simple is better sometimes

I just converted my 2021 Tiguan into a micro camper, and I am planning on travelling the country for a couple of years in it. The most important thing for me when building was being able to sit up straight on the bed, so I also forewent the raised platform. I don't understand how people can comfortable live in those ones that have 2 feet clearance above the bed. I also have my dog with me, so I want him to be comfortable when we are in transit. I simply took out the seats, secured 2 wooden bases to the frame where the seats were attached, and laid some insulated plywood across the top. Cut in some storage access under the platform for all my clothing, since there was a good gap beneath it when I made a level platform, and built a small storage shelf unit on the side of the bed which is more than enough for all my stuff. I have a refrigerator, water, and dry food storage behind the front seats. I can be off-grid for up to 3 weeks at a time. If you are just going out for a weekend, then the platform might work out, but if you plan to do long term living in the van/suv, then floor level sleeping is a must. Imagine not being able to sit up and read when its raining out, having to lay flat with no clearance.

Way better than all the “van life, van life, look at me videos”

Solid advice! i honestly think platforms make the vehicle less versatile, needlessly complicated and reduces usable space. With this setup, anyone can pretty much go Camping tomorrow!

This is probably the best car camping video I've seen on you tube.Thank you for sharing.

Totally agree. I just removed my Outbacks backseats and threw a foam mattress down and I’m very happy the be able to sit straight up/have more room

I have thought the same exact thing about a bed platform! I like being able to move around. I do not like the idea of no sit-up space. Otherwise, I feel claustrophobic! I am only 5ft tall too. 🤣 one thing I do have is a hitch basket. It allows me to be ready for anything as well as my rooftop waterproof carrier "bag".

I have watched three videos before this and was thinking . . . why platforms. So I agree. I did one 2000 mile trip from Texas to upstate Ny with my bottom sofa cushions for a bed. So comfortable and couldn't imagine losing the head space. Great video. Many ideas for storage so thanks.

You're the second video I've seen talking about the raised platform for a bed. Glad I heard you two out because now I'm seriously considering not raising my sleep platform. Thanks again!

I am all for keep it simple. Many of these van conversions seem to be competitions. Alot depends on whether you have a home base or whether this will be a home base.... But yeah, as a senior female, not techy, I will be giving this a shot in the simplest manner.....beginning with what I have .... My Murano. ♥️🇨🇦

100% agree on the no raised platform, ever! Originally did that to my 06 4Runner to live out of for a ski season and hated it. Not being able to sit up and move around in your own bed is pretty annoying and demoralizing. Especially when full timing it. Went to a small 1/3 table behind single back seat and so much head room now. Full inside cooking capabilities now too on a simple 2 burner propane. A couple deep cycle batteries/solar, a cushy mattress, and it’s full a full on micro camper with some great off-road chops. SUV builds are cool.

So many videos about this topic always over-complicate everything. My wife and I are getting serious about getting an SUV to use as a camping vehicle, and this was the most practical how-to I've found. Made me realize my priorities, and now I feel like we have a game plan. Thank you!

Never seen your channel before but it's amazing how similar my own camping arrangements are in my 06 Toyota Sequoia! I'm 100% with you in preferring no build because it's heavy, harder to install/load, and limits headroom. I use various sleeping pads on my flat floor (complete with carpet remnants and extra mats underneath) and all my dedicated camping stuff is in bins. I use my rig as a daily driver and when I want to go on a little adventure, I can just toss it all inside and take off. Like you I also use a small level and put a wheel up onto my recovery boards if necessary. I also made magnet bug screens for myself.

I agree with you, in theory, about not having a raised platform, especially for the newer SUV's. But some of the older ones, like your Suburban, and even my 2003 Rendezvous have more than room to utilize a raised platform, and STILL have room to sit up comfortably without your head hitting the ceiling. I had a 9" high raised platform that was the width of my cot air mattress (23" wide), constructed with 2x2s to give it an open frame to access all my tools underneath, and also had hinges on the 3/4" plywood on top that could be lifted easily, even with the cot air mattress, a 4" memory foam topper and my bedding on it, to remove our put back items that wouldn't fit through the framing. It was the perfect solution for me. My Rendezvous had a little over 100 cu. ft. of cargo space with the 2nd row seats out (48"W x 78"L x 48" H). And I'm not short, 5' 8" tall.

I think the platform is totally a personal choice. For me personally I would prefer under the bed storage.

I've slept without a raised platform and the difference in air is noticeable and even impeads sleep. I think the biggest reason people raise the platform is to avoid this problem and raise the quality of sleep. If you do the setup correctly you can have a single raised bed with a ton of storage underneath and a lounge area for hanging out with head room.

After searching for well over a year on the best tutorial that’s suited for my liking, I am SO GRATEFUL to have stumbled across this video and your channel! We think alike in a lot of ways - being prepared for anything, for one. I appreciate your checklist & organization tactics for the bins! New subscriber here looking forward to watching more of your content!

I have spent hundreds of hours watching videos on how to camp or live in a sub since I have always wanted to do the road trip from Mexico City to Yellostone. Like you, I love watching the videos of people who make a thousand adaptations to their truck, platforms and more. The trip is not cheap at all due to fuel, a little more than $1,000 USD plus the necessary equipment. It NEVER occurred to me to make it as simple as you, really "keep it simple" is the best, economical and at the end of the trip, my truck remains the same (Jeep Liberty KK Sport 4x4). Goodbye to platforms. Thank you so much.

I watched this video a couple years ago right after we got our 86 suburban. I'm glad I did. I had in my mind to build a bed box with drawers cuz that's what you do. After watching this video we decided to wait and see and we decided we didn't need it. Great video, great advice.

I've watched a ton of these SUV camper conversion videos and this one is the best. You're so right - headroom is super important to maximize comfort. I'm also against all of the wood builds people use. Nice, but ultimately impractical and heavy. Rounded edge storage bins are a lot more forgiving to your shins and other body parts in a tight space. I'm going to look at outdoor rugs tomorrow. That was a great idea. Now, just need to find the right mattress.

Was about to build a platform. I’m glad I came across your video before building. Thanks for all the tips.

I camp in my Yukon xl. It is built out. All rear seats removed. You are 100% right about head room and a permanent sleeping area and keeping warm. I camp alone. My sleeping area is 30 inches wide with full height. A raised cabinet around 15 inches tall and 18 wide on the drivers side buts into a full height cabinet. With the seats removed there is a step down that allows me to sit up with my feet lowered like a chair. As I sit there i am facing my dc refrigerator.The full height cabinet has 3 inch shelves on the inside. Open the drivers rear door and there is a huge storage area. At the base under the cabinet I have my electronics. Agm battery, solar controller, inverter and fuse panel. On the roof 2 100 watt panels and a 4x4 roof rack surrounded by 4 inch drain pipe with valves and pressure. Holds 10 gallons of water 24” wide screen tv, DVD player. The best feature is mounted behind the drivers seat…the diesel heater. Oh almost forgot to mention cooking. The floor is 3/4 plywood sitting on 3/4 strips allowing a 1/2 inch piece of birch to slide out a be supported by the cargo carrier. I drilled 2 6 inch holes and drop in 2 of those propane stand up burners that screw onto the 1lb cylinders so they are flush. Seen many of these builds on KZfaq and there is nothing I would change about mine. Last year I started pulling a pop up camper. Spent the last 3 winters 3- 4 months camping out in Arizona as the winter is pretty cold here in Idaho. Thanks for the video. I liked it. A sleeping platform with drawers ruins the car for anything but sleeping imho.

I'll gladly listen to this advice. I spent 6 months living out of a Pontiac vibe and the one thing that bothered me more than anything else was lack of headroom!

This is the best informational video on YT. Thank you. I was conflicted about the bin/ tote size and then this video appeared. Thanks again

We had a 2002 Burbie - same color as yours. Loved that thing into the ground! Best car ever. We're in the market for another. Thanks for sharing these tips.

100% spot on regards the raised platform, i never even considered it for my zafira, leaves way more space 😊👍

So agree on NOT making a raised platform! I'd store stuff on the sides and under the seats instead.

Great suggestions. Of course I think so because I concluded the same thing… build flat not a platform. With a Subaru Outback, headspace was at a premium & I wasn’t giving that up! I see folks build a platform in an Outback then add a 6” mattress, and the result is worse claustrophobia than getting an MRI!! I think your advice is especially important for seniors with less mobility. They watch all the KZfaq videos of twenty somethings builds & don’t take into consideration how they’re going to climb into the tower they’ve created. Much needed advice. Plus my vehicle is always ready for a family drive etc…because I haven’t permanently altered its functionality. Keep it simple.

We have a 2013 Suburban. We took out the back seats and put in a plywood board that we had padded and carpeted. It is completely flat on the floor with no platform. We sleep on foam pads. Sleeps great!

Nice. I've watched at least half a dozen of these videos this morning and yours is the first to actually address what I consider to be one of the most troubling issues with sleeping in your vehicle: temperature control and ventilation. Anyone can sleep in their car. It takes significant thought not to wake up with yourself and the interior of the vehicle dripping in condensation or covered in mosquito bites. And summer temperatures are much more difficult to handle than winter, as you can always add insulation when you're cold. Unfortunately, the vast majority of camping is done outside of the winter months.

I figured this out in 2009 when I converted a Honda Odyssey. Removed the middle row of seats and dropped the third row into the Well. I made a trifold sofa, folds out to 7' x 4' bed. I came to the same conclusion, the need for dry, safe, comfy sleeping, everything else is done outside. I'm in my midsixties and have gone tens of thousand of miles in U.S. and Cana.da

One of the best explanations for us budding car campers that I've seen. Well done!

I love watching this video. 😍 I've seen it a Million times and it opened my eyes to the benefits of a no build. With the bins, you have plenty of storage, and by moving them around you can open up the space in the van. Like you said, you can sit, lounge and lay. This video has also got me thinking that I can live in a Minivan. 🚗

I’ve been looking at all these build outs and I see more headaches than it’s worth. Loss of flexibility seems to be another thing with rigid builds. External storage is a great idea. Thanks for all the good info.

After camping in my suburban on and off for 8 yrs now, I have a short 12" tall platform that is in the back part and I still use the backseats, the platform has two slides that i made and is tied down securely, I have the barn doors so a small tarp and I have my kitchen area , I'm 6'4" 280 so I take up a lot of space inside but my 2nd wife and I Ioved to camp in it. She's passed away now but I am still camping in it

Incredible amount of useful information. I’ll need to watch this a few times and check out your other videos. Thank you !

There's a lot of great information here! You just confirmed my thoughts on building a platform. Thanks for posting this!

BEST EVER ADVICE! Totally agree with the no platform advice. Im moving from a Renault Trafic to an SUV and the importance of head room is paramount yet everyone else saying bed platform best! THANK YOU!

I have vast experience camping solo in my SUV. No platform because I unload and set up at my campsite. If it’s going to be cold or raining, I take a tent I can set up for cooking, dressing, etc. I sleep so snuggly in my SUV bed. It’s a 4” pad with an egg crate mattress on top. If it’s cold I use a small heating pad in my sleeping bag and a small propane heater in the morning. I don’t sleep in a tent. My SUV is safer, easier to heat and cool than a tent. I have a Jackery portable battery system with solar panels. But my favorite part is climbing through the sun roof and lying on top of the SUV to watch the night sky.

This is exactly how I do it. Well, close. I love the SUV platform for camping, so much more efficient than a full-on RV. We rent an RV for going to Spring Training in Arizona, but only because that's a couples trip and she thinks Camping means the Ramada Inn. I couldn't see living full-time in a vehicle again, though, unless it was very temporary. I've tried that route, not the way I would go again. I use 3 of the same containers but in the 27 gal size. Then I put a 6' Lifetime folding table down over the top of those; it locks perfectly into place and can be used outside as well. This setup means I have a top-grade bed/sofa inside or outside. And then there is floorspace enough left over that I can put my mattress down on the floor, with or without using the table. 3" of Extra Firm Upholstery Foam is better than memory foam for me - breathes better, supports better, doesn't retain heat and moisture like memory foam. I have a canopy like yours but it goes to the ground on 3 sides and can be either a tent or carport, even in non-stormy precip. I have a far smaller galley than you travel with and I still manage to eat well - just requires a backpacker's kitchen and a little more care when shopping. And the popup privacy booth is essential if not way out in the backcountry - well worth carrying. Thank you for reminding us to keep the load secured. I will even "weigh the ship" before I hit the road, to make sure the load is weight-distributed over the suspension (my SUV is haze gray).

Great video for someone like me who is starting to research van conversions, and I do believe you deserve a lot more subs mate

this is the simplest (and probably cheapest), no nonesense, idea about suv and camping. thanks!

I lived in a minivan for 10 years....He is correct. If you have your bed on the bottom, it gives you room to sit on it and do things during the day. You can also put extra stuff on top of it and then move it off to sleep.

I did the raised platform and it's a terrible thing. Couldn't sit up. Hard to get in and out of. I took out my seats and built a platform that was level with the seat so I actually added storage. I'm still learning what works but you are so correct on platforms.

I looked into a platform build when I created a temporary conversion for my Subaru Forester, but there just isn't enough headroom, especially if you're 6'2". I did however have to do a slight buildup, because there's a 3 1/2" slope from the front of the Forester cargo area and the back when the rear seats are down. I simply added a couple of pieces of wood at the back, just enough to level a 40" x 64" sheet of 3/4" plywood. I then placed a 24" x 60" board on top of that and covered the entire area with a rug. The reason for the 24" x 60" board is when the tailgate is open, I can pull it out a couple feet to use as a table. When I want to sleep, I place the front passenger seat forward and upright, then push the 24" x 60" board forward which extends my sleep area by an additional foot, giving roughly 75". That 3 1/2" build up at the tailgate isn't much, I usually don't use it, but I could store a couple small items like my hiking poles, maybe some water bottles...., but I normally ignore it, it's simply there to create a flat surface.

I'm with you. I have a Ford Ranger with a canopy and I've avoided building sleeping platforms or other structures inside the bed of my truck. Instead, I use a twin-sized air mattress (with built in foot pump) to sleep on. It fits perfectly in between the wheel wells inside the bed of the truck. When not in use, the air mattress packs down quite small which makes for more room to pack other things. Also, because I do some bush-whacking, I haven't mounted one of those expensive awnings to the roof of my canopy where it can be damaged by tree branches, etc. Instead, I just use some tarps that I attach to the roof of the canopy and cab with suction cup and extend them out to extension poles. If there's no picnic table where I'm camping, I have a 6 foot folding table that I put under the tarp. If there is a picnic table where I'm camping, and if I'm camping with other people, I'll bring my 12'x12' Eureka waterproof screenhouse to place over the picnic table.

In the sea of insanely overpriced roof top tents crazy interior build outs, its bougie bougie to rich for my strict budget, I find your video and it’s practical common sense approach to gear storage and sleeping arrangements very refreshing and achievable on even the most modest of budgets.

This actually makes sense. Most of us aren't living in our vehicles, and are car camping on the weekends and/or a week or so at a time. How much stuff to you really need to travel comfortably?

It’s a bit of a challenge to flatten my 2021 CR-V, but I managed to do it and my grandson and I enjoyed great car camping a couple of weeks ago. We just placed all the bins on the front seats and floors and had the whole back to sleep on. The whole platform thing is not necessary unless you live in your vehicle I suppose.

Raised bed platform can be great & very efficient. It's not 'bad', it's an option. Not all SUVs have the same dimensions & not all ppl have the same body size/height. You built what works for you - great! No need to knock what others may use. PS: thx for the PSA on securing your cargo! It's so often overlooked. Flying objects in an accident not only can harm or kill you/passengeers, but they also smash up your build.

Ok this may be one of the best videos I've ever seen on SUV camping

Your timing for this video was perfect for me. I've been struggling with the built in storage concepts but recently (2 weeks ago) decided to go with collapsible storage boxes for now. I just couldn't see sacrificing the headroom. Also, I recently had to replace the speed control for the rear AC fan which required removing the inner right rear fender cover. This would require removing any built in storage. Lately I've been solo camping using my suburban for sleeping. I've done this before but never had a "system". I just bought leveling ramps (I didn't like the blocks) and used them for thd first time 3 weeks ago. What a difference sleeping level makes. Also finally bought a very comfortable air mattress (REI MegaMat 15 - pricy but way comfy). I like the collapsible boxes because they store better when empty. I use them for dry food, clothes, and misc gear. I might invest in some hard storage boxes in the future. Thx for the video.

Just saw this video today. I absolutely agree with your point: 'do not build a high sleep platform'. We do some camping in National Parks in good weather but not too many days each time. What I did is to took off the back seats and install a piece board in their place to give me a 6 foot complete flat surface. I used 4 inch thick foam for the bed. I also build a platform in the back side of the SUV where I can store a lot of stuff on top of it. We can sit up very comfortably in the front portion and the lady is able to pee in a jar inside of the vehicle. I am always wondering those ladies have the high sleeping platforms as how to solve this problem. When sleeping, we got enough space for bending knees, only stick out feet underneath the rear end platform. I also use a hitch mount carrier to carry two of those Costco boxes which contains all the camping stuff. Front seats can be used for storing clothing and other personal items during night time. I do secure the rear platform and the stuff on top of it. We are packing light and only do camping in good weather and in national parks or state parks.

Truer and more sensible words have never been spoken.

You’re right. I built a platform so I’d have storage and there’s no headroom so it’s all but impossible to be comfortable. I’ll be renovating.

I went to your website. Awesome resource! I downloaded your packing list and will modify it to suit my Jeep Commander platform. This is exactly what I've been looking for from someone who already has it figured out. It's so in line with what I've been imagining. THANKS 👍

I’ve done a lot of backcountry camping and I rarely have a completely level place to set my tent. Having my head slightly above my feet has never bothered me. I have the same situation in my SUV.

I watched a lot of videos of SUV camp but never came across someone carrying so much stuff. You don't need an RV sir 😉. Love the set up keep going

Been doing car camping for a number of years in my Skoda yeti My set up is same as yours obviously carry less equipment Three storage boxes about 8 to 10 inches high cater for just about everything I do not cook it, but have one leg table that hooks on to the back of the car The leg is adjustable made from a walking stick. Will be adding a roof box as I want to take fishing tackle with me Regarding sleeping If I cannot be on the level, I’m happy with my head been higher than my feet. It has to be one of the best way to see whichever country you are touring

Great vid. Thanks for the tips! I've been using my minivan for long road trips for several years. But now I live where there's a lot of snow, and I also find myself wanting more flexibility with the terrain I drive over on road trips. So I'm considering switching to an SUV. I am with you on wanting to be able to sit up straight in the back! I'm so glad I found your vid. All the other vids I've seen so far tell you to build a platform. No thank you! I like your idea much better. Happy trails!

Hey buddy, I appreciate your thorough,articulate, and intelligible videos. I've watched almost all of yours. I'm preparing for my 2nd summer stealth/urban camping. I work as a passenger vessel captain in the summers. I was in my 2004 Subaru Forester last summer in brutal heat at night, at southeast sea level. It sucked. I'm upgrading this summer. My Sunroof and USB rechargeable fans survived me. It sucks trying to change pants in the driver's seat of my car, hiding in a parking lot 😂 Please keep uploading! I have a request, please make a video about the "standing" (sitting-down) head room in a suburban vs a normal old Ford cargo work van; I won't ask you to demonstrate changing your pants LOL 😂 ✌ Great videos, thanks again. James

Huzzah, I was beginning to think I was only person that valued headroom and did away with the platform notion. A foam wedge makes it easy to level the mattress and only costs a few bucks, so only need to level the car, which I rarely need to do. And kudos for emphasising importance to tie down items. Some of the builds on KZfaq would be insanely dangerous in an accident.

I share that sentiment, maybe for short people taking away 6+ inches for a platform works, but i sort of like to be able to sit up straight. Personally, building shelving on the sides by the windows makes more sense to me, but to each their own.

Thanks for conformation on my decision to take out the small wooden platform I had in my car. I have a Coleman mattress pad and a 4 in memory foam mattress that is very comfy. I am hoping to free up space in my SUV.

Simple, cheap and practical! A winner - but stuff is stacked too high to see out the windows. Other than that, a fantastic idea.

You are absolutely right about the head room being the most important!

Get where you are coming from. That said many ppl that build raised beds in minivans, suburus, ect. are living in there ft and it makes for a more perm space and also can use the underneath for storage. in building out my dodge GC I did pretty much what you say as I ended up using believe it or not memory foam beanbags that ended up being insanely comfortable to sleep on and use as chairs. It freed up more space than I ever imagined. What I have found is using a smaller space you are 1 million % correct. The more space you have the less you spend outside. This is a good model I believe even for living in a structure. It’s so easy to just hunker down with I love doing. That said hunking down outside is a better way to go.

Thanks for this video. It’s supportive of my thoughts on the matter. Because I was never going to build a raised platform for my suv or minivan. If I get a high roof van..maybe. But even then issa maybe.

I agree I refuse to build a platform bed. Everyone keeps asking me when I'm going to build the platform bed. I say never. I think it takes away space just like you're stating

I see that too,I’m not doing a platform😩I’m taking the floor and utilizing all of it! Thank you for your input ,I appreciate it

REALLY like your philosophy about camping in general (well, like most folks, I like it because I agree wholeheartedly with it! Grins.). The idea of camping is to BE OUTDOORS! So, my intention in the brief one and two night fishing trips in Colorado is to use my Highlander mostly for sleeping and shelter in the worst of weather, but to be outside as much as possible the rest of the time. And, like you have presented so well here, it allow for Keeping It Simple! Thanks!

Great points on the platforming. Always thought alot of those where overkill. Thanks again!

Great information, thank you for sharing! I definitely agree with the no-build style. I like being able to sit up, so I am setting up a similar style shown in this video in my older 4Runner. Would be nice to have the storage that the Suburban does, but I will make it work!

I have a Yukon which is about the same size as this one. I bought a 1 1/2 inch piece of plywood that was 4ft by 8ft. I had them cut it down to 6ft and it fit perfectly in the back of my suv. I then bought a $15 storage shelf from ikea and placed it in the right side in the back to use as my storage for food and cooking supplies such as pots and pans, I also store my bluetti there. I flipped the passenger seat to face the back and used the foot area behind it for additional storage. I also took a storage box and placed it between the driver and passenger seats to use as storage for my clothes, I then put a foldable laptop desk on top of it as a cover and so that it could also be used as a little removable table. I put my fridge behind the driver seat and my bed on the left side in the back. I wanted to keep the main area open and clean so that I would be comfy. I can stand up halfway, but it's enough to be able to stretch my legs. I am a solo traveler, so my setup might not work for couples or those camping with more people, but it works perfectly for me.

I love how youtubers speak in absolutes. Some people dont wanna load and unload totes. The platform allows permanent storage, and is oriented towards overlanding. Totally different application than the annual or biannual camping trip.

I tried a raised platform for my Forester b/c I though I needed it for the height difference due to the seats not being able to fold flat. It wasn't the worst thing but as stated by others, I didn't love the headspace and it was bulky and heavy if I needed to remove it to access the spare tire compartment. I realized that I don't mind the 3/5" height difference since I sleep on my back it kind of acts as a support. I also use a cheap plastic 3 drawer systems to store most of my kitchen & misc items. Seems to work well enough for the amount of camping I do.

I learned plenty! Thank you so much for sharing, you have no idea how much you just helped me. Subscribed 🤗😊

I agree bigtime about the raised platforms not being effecient, no headroom, etc. Better to keep bed surface flat as possible use storage tubs for gear, that can stay outside at night if necessary.

I scratched off bed platform a while back. After going both ways on two separate camping trips i discovered i really enjoy more headroom. While a platform does have it's advantages it's mostly a matter of personal preference.

Great video and some good ideas. I also don't want a build out so I can retain versatility when carting kids rather than camping gear, however folded flat my rear seats are raised a few inches. I might try a board with just enough of a support to make it level and avoid the under bed storage issue. I also use the same model boxes and the roof rack ideas. I have designed a simple frame using conduit for a tarp awning which I can drive up to or away from and use to cover the kitchen but for now I will continue draping a tarp over the tailgate. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

Great! I have a 04 GMC Yukon XL and I love it. I call it the “mule!” It hauls so much gear. Can you share what you’re running on your hitch and on the roof for storage?

Agree for the most part. However, if you're not just staying in the desert, you need airflow under your mattress, or you're going to have mold issues pretty quick. Edited to acknowledge that you seem to just use yours for camping trips, and not to live in full-time, so probably less of an issue for you.

I've been watching a lot of minimalist setups. This is definitely the maximally approach. If you have the space, why not.

In suggesting that people get an RV you clearly showed that you have completely missed the purpose of of why people convert vehicles to campers. This may be useful for your occasional weekend camper but there is absolutely nothing useful in here for the majority of people who are converting vehicles.

Tip for leveling - instead of leveling your vehicle, level your bed. I have a board under my bed and I place shims or blocks under the board to level my bed.

I am loving your no-nonsense approach!